SHARE MARKET’S SURTI SHER.....................
Mumbai’s most beautiful landmark,Rajabai clock tower at Bombay University ,has as its backdrop the BSE –Bombay Stock Exchange .Interestingly, the foundations of both these are linked to a Surti-Premchand Raichand. Known as the Napoleon of the share market to some, Cotton King and Bullion King to others. The clock tower is named after his mother, it is believed he got it constructed so that by its chimes, his blind mother,a staunch Jain, could keep a track of dinner time.
In the 1830’s, share trading in Mumbai began under the Banyan tree, that still stands opposite the town hall at Horniman Circle Park, then known as Cotton Green. Trade then, was that of bank shares and commodities like cotton. Surti Jain Premchand Raichand is recorded as the first Indian broker to speak, read and write English.
During the civil war, America, England Lancashire’s main supplier of cotton cut off the same, due to which the demand for cotton from the fields of Gujarat and Maharashtra soared. Premchand who had strong contacts all over Gujarat greatly benefitted from this turn of events. But while cotton and opium trade brought him wealth, his thirst for more fame and fortune led him into what was called ‘share mania ‘of the 1800’s.
The Times Of India on 6th January,1865,commented on the share market mania,’ if the man on the Moon obtained the names of two or three distinguished capitalists in Bombay, he could start a scheme which would enable him with a crore’ the next day’.Premchand was called,’ largest speculator on the island.’
In their book ‘the shaping of modern Gujarat’, Achyut Yagnik and Suchitra Sheth state how,’ in 1860, along with other share brokers, Premchand Raichand artificially inflated prices of the Commercial and Mercantile Bank and made a fortune. Englishmen and prominent traders soon came to seek his advice and he began to set up and float several new companies and banks. He set up the Reclamation project near Colaba and Walkeshwar through which he made more money and also helped others set up companies albeit always leaving his name out so as to avoid future trouble. There is no option but to acknowledge that this Surti who intoxicated by speculation, ruined not only himself but countless others too, was indeed a courageous entrepreneur’
Once, he made a single payment of Rs.11.5 crore which is equivalent to Rs. 1000.crores today. Living in the lap of luxury, his Midas touch and spoken word became the rule for his followers, turning mere scrip of paper into instant wealth, the minute he attached his name to the share of the company.
Fondly remembered as a great philanthropist, he donated generously for education and hospitals in Bombay, Calcutta, Ahmedabad, Surat and Bharuch.
The share market crashed in 1866, reason being that the American cotton supply got re established and Premchand filed for bankruptcy. The then prevailing laws were unable to hold ground against him and he could therefore, not be held accountable, legally.
Unlike Big Bulls Harshad Mehta and Raju of Satyam, whose lives and times are now going to be made into movies depicting fraud, this famous Surti was one king of the share market who had his game, played it too and got away with it. Fondly remembered for his philantrophy, not fraud.
Tapi town tattle-Kirsten commandments.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
MIDNIGHT MEALS FOR RAAS REVELLERS...................
With loudspeakers and lahriwalas now allowed to operate till Cinderella timing, Surat offers various options for what Gujaratis call,’nishachars’. There is something to suit every palate preference-
Dhokla dreams-For Surtis who love these semi sour spongy delights, an array of flavours and natural colours with fresh fenugreek, turmeric, lentils, corn, are dished out, steaming hot, at Raja food court on Ghodod road. Gritty textured Handvo with grated gourd, green tuver and freshly crushed spicy green chutney, along with other tongue tickling tasty treats like Bhel and Pani Puri, sev papdi and chaat for the adventurous minded. For more filling food, you may want to visit mini counters serving Rajwadi khichdi-kadhi, rotla and stuffed aubergines with wet garlic chutney. This modern day Khau gali also doles out interesting desserts like ice dish-a fancier version of the good old gola, topped with rabdi and dry fruit as well as creamy sancha ice cream delights.
Murgh mashallah-Non vegetarians can make a beeline for the by lane of Sagar restaurant at Chowk, other than Sagar’s popular Biryani boti hot pots, a tiny kiosk at a stone’s throw from there ,known as Raja chicken centre, offers freshly roasted , marinated birds. Charcoal grilled only to order, their meat retains its melt in the mouth quality unlike other chewy tangdis.The butter mari flavoured one is a lip smacking must have .Smoky savouries, tender tikkas can be relished as you await your order to be delivered. You could pick up a crisp naan from Sagar to make a kathi roll with kebabs from here. If appetite allows, one could also opt for the dum cooked, lightly spiced but rich in gluten flavour Raan.
Coffee ‘n’ crunchies-Now, with easy access off the lobby at The Gateway, the T3 lounge defies subtle 5 star boredom with its multi coloured ambience and offerings. Blueberry cheesecakes, scrumptious grilled feta cheese sandwiches, exotic multigrain Medeterrian fare and delicately flavoured teas as well as robust, single origin coffee, not to mention brownie cafe delights have been priced light, on round the clock menu for exhausted feet to come refresh and relax in cool comfort.
Ande ka funda-If eggs are what are on your mind, there can be no other place than Khau gali to whet your wanting. This age old favourite Surti street, where man and mangy dog alike eat away to heart’s content and beyond, concocts ‘Eggsquisite’ egg recepies prepared on stove heated tavaas. Made to order in butter or oil, it takes the good old baida to a different level altogether .Twin spatulas expertly handle delicious delicacies topped with signature Surti lilu lasan combined with tingly green chilli paste .From the regular kheema to rare boil fry, Surti slang special ‘ghotalo’ to exotic cheesy Austrian fry,all eggcellent!
Hindi Chinee bhai bhai-The new Food Express at Surat railway station operates 24/7 and has endless options for vegetarian foodies in search ‘Chindian’noodles, Manchurian and fried rice as well as masaledar Indian cuisine -Pav bhaji, Chole bhature and Moti dum biryani. Machine made ice-cream to beat the heat also available.
With loudspeakers and lahriwalas now allowed to operate till Cinderella timing, Surat offers various options for what Gujaratis call,’nishachars’. There is something to suit every palate preference-
Dhokla dreams-For Surtis who love these semi sour spongy delights, an array of flavours and natural colours with fresh fenugreek, turmeric, lentils, corn, are dished out, steaming hot, at Raja food court on Ghodod road. Gritty textured Handvo with grated gourd, green tuver and freshly crushed spicy green chutney, along with other tongue tickling tasty treats like Bhel and Pani Puri, sev papdi and chaat for the adventurous minded. For more filling food, you may want to visit mini counters serving Rajwadi khichdi-kadhi, rotla and stuffed aubergines with wet garlic chutney. This modern day Khau gali also doles out interesting desserts like ice dish-a fancier version of the good old gola, topped with rabdi and dry fruit as well as creamy sancha ice cream delights.
Murgh mashallah-Non vegetarians can make a beeline for the by lane of Sagar restaurant at Chowk, other than Sagar’s popular Biryani boti hot pots, a tiny kiosk at a stone’s throw from there ,known as Raja chicken centre, offers freshly roasted , marinated birds. Charcoal grilled only to order, their meat retains its melt in the mouth quality unlike other chewy tangdis.The butter mari flavoured one is a lip smacking must have .Smoky savouries, tender tikkas can be relished as you await your order to be delivered. You could pick up a crisp naan from Sagar to make a kathi roll with kebabs from here. If appetite allows, one could also opt for the dum cooked, lightly spiced but rich in gluten flavour Raan.
Coffee ‘n’ crunchies-Now, with easy access off the lobby at The Gateway, the T3 lounge defies subtle 5 star boredom with its multi coloured ambience and offerings. Blueberry cheesecakes, scrumptious grilled feta cheese sandwiches, exotic multigrain Medeterrian fare and delicately flavoured teas as well as robust, single origin coffee, not to mention brownie cafe delights have been priced light, on round the clock menu for exhausted feet to come refresh and relax in cool comfort.
Ande ka funda-If eggs are what are on your mind, there can be no other place than Khau gali to whet your wanting. This age old favourite Surti street, where man and mangy dog alike eat away to heart’s content and beyond, concocts ‘Eggsquisite’ egg recepies prepared on stove heated tavaas. Made to order in butter or oil, it takes the good old baida to a different level altogether .Twin spatulas expertly handle delicious delicacies topped with signature Surti lilu lasan combined with tingly green chilli paste .From the regular kheema to rare boil fry, Surti slang special ‘ghotalo’ to exotic cheesy Austrian fry,all eggcellent!
Hindi Chinee bhai bhai-The new Food Express at Surat railway station operates 24/7 and has endless options for vegetarian foodies in search ‘Chindian’noodles, Manchurian and fried rice as well as masaledar Indian cuisine -Pav bhaji, Chole bhature and Moti dum biryani. Machine made ice-cream to beat the heat also available.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
SWINE CAUTIOUS, YES, BUT BEE PROOF?
The carnival of nine nights this year promises to be more culture rich and colourful than ever before. With International delegates participating, our Sultans of swing are extremely excited to sway.Gujarati garba will be going global in a graceful new way.
In mythology, the credit for promoting garba goes to Usha, the great granddaughter –in –law of Krishna. Vedas state that earlier known as ‘Lasya Nritya’, the word Garba comes from ‘garbhdeep’, lamp within earthen pot. In the olden days, Gujaratis would gather at temples of Ma Jagdamba and perform traditional garbas around perforated matlis within which silver coins, betel leaves and a little water would add to the glory of the pious lamp ,’Pawan sapata khai toey Maa no garbo ghumto jaay.’The idea was to protect the lamp within, come what may.
Prachin garbas were sung in praise of the Goddesses’ often inviting them to come play with mortals,’Amba aavo to ramiye, Maa maney ramta nahi avde’ at times devotional, at times playful, they built a friendly rapport between devis and devotees. Arvachin ones had fun filled, flirty lyrics like,’Odhani odhu toh udi udi jaay.’
As generations progressed, a dramatic change has developed in the way this tradition is carried on as well as the social messages that lie hidden in its songs.
Early eighties rang with Babla’s disco dandiya ‘tinak dhin na’jhankaar beats, we now do dodhiyu on ‘Dhan ten nen!’.
The late Maniraj Barot of ‘Sanedo sanedo humjo lal sanedo’, created history when he penned and performed the popular number that causes footwork frenzy amongst revellers; now, modern day poet Dr.Mukul Choksi has penned ‘shiyaley shardi bhali, unaley mardo, chomasey malaria bhalo, pun swine flu baarey maasey, lal lal sanedo.’
Queen of garba pop, Falguni Pathak’s masti filled music’ Chudi Jo khanki haatho mein ‘scores with the youngsters because it talks about love in the days of dandiya.
Navratri nowadays, is a different ball game altogether. This year, while hip hop and bhangra steps have been added to basic traditional steps, a fusion of foreign steps with techno trance can well be expected, the Macarena with its jiggy wiggy is going to mingle with the, ‘put your right hand in, put your right hand out and shake it all about’ routine.
Celebrating the carnival gets more challenging for youngsters with each passing year. These days of legal dating are now tracked via spy phones, terrorised by thoughts of swine flu and tormented by temptation of falling prey to the ‘HIV bhawran ‘that their idol Shahid warns about. With pills offering instant remedies to ‘pyar ke side effects’, promoting better to play safe than sorry, it’s easy to snuff out life in the womb within 72 hours but whats the point if HIV could knock one out within the next 72 months?
With minister for women’s welfare Anandiben Patel having stated the fact that the number of abortions rise a couple of months after Navratri and statistics proving just how fast contraceptives fly off the counters during these days, about time, we talked to our young guns about birds and bees and STDs, instead of shying away from clear and present danger.
The carnival of nine nights this year promises to be more culture rich and colourful than ever before. With International delegates participating, our Sultans of swing are extremely excited to sway.Gujarati garba will be going global in a graceful new way.
In mythology, the credit for promoting garba goes to Usha, the great granddaughter –in –law of Krishna. Vedas state that earlier known as ‘Lasya Nritya’, the word Garba comes from ‘garbhdeep’, lamp within earthen pot. In the olden days, Gujaratis would gather at temples of Ma Jagdamba and perform traditional garbas around perforated matlis within which silver coins, betel leaves and a little water would add to the glory of the pious lamp ,’Pawan sapata khai toey Maa no garbo ghumto jaay.’The idea was to protect the lamp within, come what may.
Prachin garbas were sung in praise of the Goddesses’ often inviting them to come play with mortals,’Amba aavo to ramiye, Maa maney ramta nahi avde’ at times devotional, at times playful, they built a friendly rapport between devis and devotees. Arvachin ones had fun filled, flirty lyrics like,’Odhani odhu toh udi udi jaay.’
As generations progressed, a dramatic change has developed in the way this tradition is carried on as well as the social messages that lie hidden in its songs.
Early eighties rang with Babla’s disco dandiya ‘tinak dhin na’jhankaar beats, we now do dodhiyu on ‘Dhan ten nen!’.
The late Maniraj Barot of ‘Sanedo sanedo humjo lal sanedo’, created history when he penned and performed the popular number that causes footwork frenzy amongst revellers; now, modern day poet Dr.Mukul Choksi has penned ‘shiyaley shardi bhali, unaley mardo, chomasey malaria bhalo, pun swine flu baarey maasey, lal lal sanedo.’
Queen of garba pop, Falguni Pathak’s masti filled music’ Chudi Jo khanki haatho mein ‘scores with the youngsters because it talks about love in the days of dandiya.
Navratri nowadays, is a different ball game altogether. This year, while hip hop and bhangra steps have been added to basic traditional steps, a fusion of foreign steps with techno trance can well be expected, the Macarena with its jiggy wiggy is going to mingle with the, ‘put your right hand in, put your right hand out and shake it all about’ routine.
Celebrating the carnival gets more challenging for youngsters with each passing year. These days of legal dating are now tracked via spy phones, terrorised by thoughts of swine flu and tormented by temptation of falling prey to the ‘HIV bhawran ‘that their idol Shahid warns about. With pills offering instant remedies to ‘pyar ke side effects’, promoting better to play safe than sorry, it’s easy to snuff out life in the womb within 72 hours but whats the point if HIV could knock one out within the next 72 months?
With minister for women’s welfare Anandiben Patel having stated the fact that the number of abortions rise a couple of months after Navratri and statistics proving just how fast contraceptives fly off the counters during these days, about time, we talked to our young guns about birds and bees and STDs, instead of shying away from clear and present danger.
Monday, September 21, 2009
DREAM DATING DURING DANDIYA.............
Statistics show that in Gujarat, more people become a couple during Navratri than they do through any matrimonial institution, column or website. Everyone seems to be looking for someone during dandiyas, never mind if they already have someone by their side. Soul searching Surtis seem to be seeking the date of their dreams, their desires camouflaged by the colourful view.
Here is a sneak peek from last night, at Pandit Dindayal Indoor Stadium, where wishful matchmaking was on, in full swing, within and without the swirling circles-
Arty, kohl lined eyed boho chic; a Shanivari bazaar binger, looking for Kurta clad, college G.S.material types. Preferably with a stubble and knowledge of strumming the guitar to the tunes of Jimi Hendrix.
Rich lecherous Pandesara businessman, in printed polyester shirt that miserably failed to cover beer belly seeking a no strings attached [relationship, not blouse, silly!], pretty young thing; age no bar caste no bar, to help him get back ‘baugo mein bahaar hain ‘days, baar baar.
An elegant, strong minded, lonely divorced diva, Isckon mall shopaholic with great taste; loves men in uniform, err....barring the security agencies, of course. Searching for a well heeled boy who knows when and how to heel.
Old fashioned Surti Sheri garba lover; with vocabulary that could put the Aussies to shame and a degree in nose wax moulding, longing to get the number of English speaking modern girl, who can carry western outfits with as much as ease as she can make Gobi Manchurian.
Attractive, nimble footed, prize winner material, pretty gal. Well versed in Indian culture, sharp tongued, hoping to meet some rich, foolish, and good looking heir, with independent residence at Piplod area or a Dumas farmhouse.
Cute, Convent educated cheerleader type with pierced nose, crazy about fancy mobiles and fast bikes looking out for handsome gadget geek with accurate knowledge of PSP and Game boy, sporting long hair and lean looks. Sportsmen would be given extra preference.
Pasta fed, Burger king boy .With a passion for pets and daddy's fast cars flirting with the mousy looking ,freckle faced, intellectual girl with small waist, short hair and a penchant for ‘kaki ni pao bhaji and Binayak sandwiches’.
Cheeky grin dimpled cheeked, naughty eyed child woman, dreaming of finding a sensitive, well read gentleman. Should be able to quote Urdu poetry and appreciate the rains anytime of the year. Extra points if he has the finesse of Mr. Big, of Sex and the city fame.
Nattily dressed middle aged N.R.I, once married, now shy, man of few words but intense intentions, soon to launch new export label, shamelessly staring at voluptuous social butterfly.
Long haired Indian beauty, dressed in ethnic elegance. Bare back, barer arms, homemaker and yummy mummy, hoping the stud in tight tee and spiked hair will give her a second look on his way back from the coffee counter.
And just like that, within the suburban social circle, everyone who is someone in Tapi town was looking out for ‘the one’.
Tapi town tattle –Twitter jitter.
Statistics show that in Gujarat, more people become a couple during Navratri than they do through any matrimonial institution, column or website. Everyone seems to be looking for someone during dandiyas, never mind if they already have someone by their side. Soul searching Surtis seem to be seeking the date of their dreams, their desires camouflaged by the colourful view.
Here is a sneak peek from last night, at Pandit Dindayal Indoor Stadium, where wishful matchmaking was on, in full swing, within and without the swirling circles-
Arty, kohl lined eyed boho chic; a Shanivari bazaar binger, looking for Kurta clad, college G.S.material types. Preferably with a stubble and knowledge of strumming the guitar to the tunes of Jimi Hendrix.
Rich lecherous Pandesara businessman, in printed polyester shirt that miserably failed to cover beer belly seeking a no strings attached [relationship, not blouse, silly!], pretty young thing; age no bar caste no bar, to help him get back ‘baugo mein bahaar hain ‘days, baar baar.
An elegant, strong minded, lonely divorced diva, Isckon mall shopaholic with great taste; loves men in uniform, err....barring the security agencies, of course. Searching for a well heeled boy who knows when and how to heel.
Old fashioned Surti Sheri garba lover; with vocabulary that could put the Aussies to shame and a degree in nose wax moulding, longing to get the number of English speaking modern girl, who can carry western outfits with as much as ease as she can make Gobi Manchurian.
Attractive, nimble footed, prize winner material, pretty gal. Well versed in Indian culture, sharp tongued, hoping to meet some rich, foolish, and good looking heir, with independent residence at Piplod area or a Dumas farmhouse.
Cute, Convent educated cheerleader type with pierced nose, crazy about fancy mobiles and fast bikes looking out for handsome gadget geek with accurate knowledge of PSP and Game boy, sporting long hair and lean looks. Sportsmen would be given extra preference.
Pasta fed, Burger king boy .With a passion for pets and daddy's fast cars flirting with the mousy looking ,freckle faced, intellectual girl with small waist, short hair and a penchant for ‘kaki ni pao bhaji and Binayak sandwiches’.
Cheeky grin dimpled cheeked, naughty eyed child woman, dreaming of finding a sensitive, well read gentleman. Should be able to quote Urdu poetry and appreciate the rains anytime of the year. Extra points if he has the finesse of Mr. Big, of Sex and the city fame.
Nattily dressed middle aged N.R.I, once married, now shy, man of few words but intense intentions, soon to launch new export label, shamelessly staring at voluptuous social butterfly.
Long haired Indian beauty, dressed in ethnic elegance. Bare back, barer arms, homemaker and yummy mummy, hoping the stud in tight tee and spiked hair will give her a second look on his way back from the coffee counter.
And just like that, within the suburban social circle, everyone who is someone in Tapi town was looking out for ‘the one’.
Tapi town tattle –Twitter jitter.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
GEARING UP GARBA GEAR...............
The Central government might be pushing and promoting austerity to its babus and neta log in these times of recession and recessed rainfall; but Surtis are in no mood for cost cutting this festive season. With Navratri just a hop, skip and jump away, fashionistas of Tapi town are getting set to wow the watchers with their custom made savoir- faire.
In case you’ve been a fuddy duddy and out of touch with what’s in vogue, read on to enhance your panache this Navratri
Bandwagon Brigade-For groups that dance in set dress codes through the nine nights of revelry, there is just one Goddess for garba gear-Ketkiben at Maniyara sheri.T.V. and Cinema inspired fashion with the experienced expertise on colour combination, intricate thread work; figure hugging, peek-a-boo, fit as glove cholis are created in her workshop. Embroidered in Katargam, styled and finished within walls of her home. Her knack of throwing together, antique Kutchi patches, mirror spangles and fabrics in a riot of colours; in the most haphazard way, results in eye-catching masterpieces. The swirl of the ghaghras she creates is unbeatable because of the way she panels them. This year, the stress is on using various ethnic laces and combining them together in contrast colours. Visit only if you are prepared for sleepless nights of patient waiting because this disorganised genius delivers goodies only at the nth hour.
Suburban Senoritas-Surat’s bold trendsetter Sangeeta Choksi, popular with ParlePoint homemakers and mentor of ‘what’s new this season Surtis’, has designed collared shirts with vegetable prints as cholis and chaniyas to match with work highlighted in sparkling sequins. Fusion wear is her forte. For halter necks, spaghetti straps and stringy cholis, she provides an in built, gravity defying, system. Frilly, overlapping skirts with matching tunics to please young tarangs and ensembles of elegant Jamewar patches for the elite elders form some of the styles that she has patterned in her signature style. Lightweight and semi transparent odhnis that add a delicate touch to heavy costumes is one of her innovative ideas.
Adajan’s Ethnics-New kid on the block, Sarla Soni near Prime Arcade, sources jewellery and ethnic embroidered patches from Kutch, Ahmedabad and Rajasthan. Bajubands, Anklets, Kandoras and maang tikkas set in coloured stones as well as modern ghaghra- cholis in net, with embroidered leggings; lehriyu skirts with stiff khadi linings and a vast variety of multicoloured chiffon and georgette odhnis are set to create the new wrinkle effect in short length. She mostly designs to rent out her creations to the student crowd who cannot afford to splurge on a new outfit every year, custom made clothing in typical Gamthi style, is also an option available here.
The readymade chaniyacholi, kediyas and kurta sets available in the market, are just not good enough for Surtis. Cloth torans and parrots, beaded strings, crochet lace, cowries and coloured stones, metal accessories etc. are used by garba revellers to spruce up their gear and stand out in the competitive crowd.
Tapi town tattle Ishrat’s intequaam, political post-mortem.
The Central government might be pushing and promoting austerity to its babus and neta log in these times of recession and recessed rainfall; but Surtis are in no mood for cost cutting this festive season. With Navratri just a hop, skip and jump away, fashionistas of Tapi town are getting set to wow the watchers with their custom made savoir- faire.
In case you’ve been a fuddy duddy and out of touch with what’s in vogue, read on to enhance your panache this Navratri
Bandwagon Brigade-For groups that dance in set dress codes through the nine nights of revelry, there is just one Goddess for garba gear-Ketkiben at Maniyara sheri.T.V. and Cinema inspired fashion with the experienced expertise on colour combination, intricate thread work; figure hugging, peek-a-boo, fit as glove cholis are created in her workshop. Embroidered in Katargam, styled and finished within walls of her home. Her knack of throwing together, antique Kutchi patches, mirror spangles and fabrics in a riot of colours; in the most haphazard way, results in eye-catching masterpieces. The swirl of the ghaghras she creates is unbeatable because of the way she panels them. This year, the stress is on using various ethnic laces and combining them together in contrast colours. Visit only if you are prepared for sleepless nights of patient waiting because this disorganised genius delivers goodies only at the nth hour.
Suburban Senoritas-Surat’s bold trendsetter Sangeeta Choksi, popular with ParlePoint homemakers and mentor of ‘what’s new this season Surtis’, has designed collared shirts with vegetable prints as cholis and chaniyas to match with work highlighted in sparkling sequins. Fusion wear is her forte. For halter necks, spaghetti straps and stringy cholis, she provides an in built, gravity defying, system. Frilly, overlapping skirts with matching tunics to please young tarangs and ensembles of elegant Jamewar patches for the elite elders form some of the styles that she has patterned in her signature style. Lightweight and semi transparent odhnis that add a delicate touch to heavy costumes is one of her innovative ideas.
Adajan’s Ethnics-New kid on the block, Sarla Soni near Prime Arcade, sources jewellery and ethnic embroidered patches from Kutch, Ahmedabad and Rajasthan. Bajubands, Anklets, Kandoras and maang tikkas set in coloured stones as well as modern ghaghra- cholis in net, with embroidered leggings; lehriyu skirts with stiff khadi linings and a vast variety of multicoloured chiffon and georgette odhnis are set to create the new wrinkle effect in short length. She mostly designs to rent out her creations to the student crowd who cannot afford to splurge on a new outfit every year, custom made clothing in typical Gamthi style, is also an option available here.
The readymade chaniyacholi, kediyas and kurta sets available in the market, are just not good enough for Surtis. Cloth torans and parrots, beaded strings, crochet lace, cowries and coloured stones, metal accessories etc. are used by garba revellers to spruce up their gear and stand out in the competitive crowd.
Tapi town tattle Ishrat’s intequaam, political post-mortem.
SAPUTARA: GUJARAT’S WET AND WILD GETAWAY.....
Nestled within the mist kissed mountains of Sahyadri, is the state’s lone hill station, Saputara. Perched at an altitude 875 metres above sea level, this plateau within the Western Ghats is well worth a visit in all its monsoon glory.
The ghats that lead to what is known as ‘ poor man’s Switzerland’, offers as good a view as that from a TGV.Dang’s dense, deciduous forests form a natural canopy as the road zig zags over the gently flowing Ambika River. Folk lore goes that Lord Rama spent 11 years in exile in these very forests. Monsoon’s magic helps create scores of tiny waterfalls in the rocky, black soil terrain that mingle into the moss covered marshes.
Devoid of any colonial structures or commercial mall road, Saputara is small enough to be covered in a day, yet, offers all the essentials of a hill station. One could take a paddle boat ride in the lake by the central park and later walk the expanse of the Governors’ hill to embark on a ropeway trip, a kilometre long cable car ride that provides a picture postcard perfect view of this hill resort.
At walking distance is Gandhi Shikhar, the Sunset point, flocked by visitors to see the surrounding tribal villages bask in a warm golden glow as a blanket of stars slowly covers the sky. The rose garden, step garden are well maintained and the museum that houses traditional tribal artefacts also offers a workshop on the same. The Sunrise or valley view point serves the purpose spectacularly with an added view of the adjacent Malegaon. The forest log cabin here is a wooded wonder.
While berries, nagli roti, fresh honey and bamboo pickle are local must haves, tourists also cross over the 4 km.border into the state of Maharashtra for a slice of Konkani cuisine that can be washed down with an alcoholic drink. Gamanlal Kapadia, who makes it a point to visit Saputara every year points out that,’ No other hill station in India offers this kind of simple, natural beauty.’ He smiles as he adds, ’It helps that Maharashtra is a stone’s throw, for travellers who complaint about the dry state.’
The trekking trails of Saputara offer mild to rough challanges; one can further enrich the experience of walking the wild side by seeking permission to visit the Vansda National Park, previously the property of Vansda’s Maharaja. An enthralling forest experience; tall teak trees, mango groves and gigantic creepers are decorated with several species of orchids and wild mushrooms. Dense due to the 2200 -2500mm rainfall it receives, this region of Dang is home to endangered species of Leopards, Pythons, four horned Antelopes, Pangolin, Rusty-spotted cat, Civet, Barking deer, Giant squirrel, Hyenas, 115 winged species like Great Black woodpecker, Malabar Trogan, Grey Hornbill, Emerald Dove, Paradise flycatcher, Sunbirds make it a bird watchers delight and Leaf insects, snails, centipedes, millipedes trudge along the trails.
Also located in the Dangs is the Purna Sanctuary, where one horned Rhinoceros, wild bulls, sloth bears and elephants resided;during the past,Mughal period. The thick bamboo forests here form an organic network of beautiful green tunnels with species such as Chinese, Golden and Beer bottle;The Chopada Badaro,Safed sissar and Sissio are amongst the other tree species preserved here. Laced with the Purna and Gira rivers it is inhibited by a number of tribes like the Bhils, Gamits, Warlis, and Dangis. Their acrobatic folk dances on the beats of traditional instruments like the pavry and drums are very popular.
Further on, the clearing at Gira falls, provides an ideal picnic spot. Gushing down from a height of 75 feet, the waterfall creates silvery cobwebs of fog from which a rainbow often shines through.
Though the forest department has constructed a road right upto the waterfall, environmentalists feel that the beauty of nature should not be tampered with. Snehal Patel, President of Nature Club, Surat says,’ So far, the Dang belt has been clean, green and pollution free but it is fast deteriorating. We must see to it that concerned authorities act fast and ban plastic and disposable goods, make this area vehicle free so tourist may enjoy walking, keep it free from noise pollution of loudspeakers so that one may enjoy the natural bird calls. Make gas cylinders available to local hotels so that they do not deplete wood by using it for cooking and heating water.’
At a distance of 420 kms from Ahmedabad, Saputara, 'the abode of snakes' offers a serene, wet and wild experience to lovers of Nature.
Nestled within the mist kissed mountains of Sahyadri, is the state’s lone hill station, Saputara. Perched at an altitude 875 metres above sea level, this plateau within the Western Ghats is well worth a visit in all its monsoon glory.
The ghats that lead to what is known as ‘ poor man’s Switzerland’, offers as good a view as that from a TGV.Dang’s dense, deciduous forests form a natural canopy as the road zig zags over the gently flowing Ambika River. Folk lore goes that Lord Rama spent 11 years in exile in these very forests. Monsoon’s magic helps create scores of tiny waterfalls in the rocky, black soil terrain that mingle into the moss covered marshes.
Devoid of any colonial structures or commercial mall road, Saputara is small enough to be covered in a day, yet, offers all the essentials of a hill station. One could take a paddle boat ride in the lake by the central park and later walk the expanse of the Governors’ hill to embark on a ropeway trip, a kilometre long cable car ride that provides a picture postcard perfect view of this hill resort.
At walking distance is Gandhi Shikhar, the Sunset point, flocked by visitors to see the surrounding tribal villages bask in a warm golden glow as a blanket of stars slowly covers the sky. The rose garden, step garden are well maintained and the museum that houses traditional tribal artefacts also offers a workshop on the same. The Sunrise or valley view point serves the purpose spectacularly with an added view of the adjacent Malegaon. The forest log cabin here is a wooded wonder.
While berries, nagli roti, fresh honey and bamboo pickle are local must haves, tourists also cross over the 4 km.border into the state of Maharashtra for a slice of Konkani cuisine that can be washed down with an alcoholic drink. Gamanlal Kapadia, who makes it a point to visit Saputara every year points out that,’ No other hill station in India offers this kind of simple, natural beauty.’ He smiles as he adds, ’It helps that Maharashtra is a stone’s throw, for travellers who complaint about the dry state.’
The trekking trails of Saputara offer mild to rough challanges; one can further enrich the experience of walking the wild side by seeking permission to visit the Vansda National Park, previously the property of Vansda’s Maharaja. An enthralling forest experience; tall teak trees, mango groves and gigantic creepers are decorated with several species of orchids and wild mushrooms. Dense due to the 2200 -2500mm rainfall it receives, this region of Dang is home to endangered species of Leopards, Pythons, four horned Antelopes, Pangolin, Rusty-spotted cat, Civet, Barking deer, Giant squirrel, Hyenas, 115 winged species like Great Black woodpecker, Malabar Trogan, Grey Hornbill, Emerald Dove, Paradise flycatcher, Sunbirds make it a bird watchers delight and Leaf insects, snails, centipedes, millipedes trudge along the trails.
Also located in the Dangs is the Purna Sanctuary, where one horned Rhinoceros, wild bulls, sloth bears and elephants resided;during the past,Mughal period. The thick bamboo forests here form an organic network of beautiful green tunnels with species such as Chinese, Golden and Beer bottle;The Chopada Badaro,Safed sissar and Sissio are amongst the other tree species preserved here. Laced with the Purna and Gira rivers it is inhibited by a number of tribes like the Bhils, Gamits, Warlis, and Dangis. Their acrobatic folk dances on the beats of traditional instruments like the pavry and drums are very popular.
Further on, the clearing at Gira falls, provides an ideal picnic spot. Gushing down from a height of 75 feet, the waterfall creates silvery cobwebs of fog from which a rainbow often shines through.
Though the forest department has constructed a road right upto the waterfall, environmentalists feel that the beauty of nature should not be tampered with. Snehal Patel, President of Nature Club, Surat says,’ So far, the Dang belt has been clean, green and pollution free but it is fast deteriorating. We must see to it that concerned authorities act fast and ban plastic and disposable goods, make this area vehicle free so tourist may enjoy walking, keep it free from noise pollution of loudspeakers so that one may enjoy the natural bird calls. Make gas cylinders available to local hotels so that they do not deplete wood by using it for cooking and heating water.’
At a distance of 420 kms from Ahmedabad, Saputara, 'the abode of snakes' offers a serene, wet and wild experience to lovers of Nature.
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